SEAN McCARTHY admits he is taking sibling rivalry to new heights as he battles kid brother Danny for the gloves at Wick Academy.

Former Ross County youngster Sean, still only 23, has established himself as one of the brightest goalkeepers in the Highland League and made a series of sensational saves in their 4-1 win over Whitehill Welfare in the Scottish Cup second round.

And he has revealed that he is being kept on his toes by 18-year-old Danny, who he helped mould as a goalkeeper – by forcing him to go between the sticks when they were boys.

(Pic: wick-academy.co.uk)

McCarthy said: “It’s a good dynamic. There is definitely a rivalry but we are very comfortable in training and bring out the best in each other. If there are certain things one of us is struggling with, then who better to help than your own brother?

“Danny is still only 18 and he is already about an inch taller than me. He is a far more promising than I was at his age. So, as well as competing for the number one spot, I’m almost like his goalkeeping coach, making sure he becomes the best he can be.

“I probably helped him out as a young boy too – I didn’t become a goalkeeper until I went to High School, so before that I was always making Danny go in goals. It’s still the same, to be honest, I’m always wanting to go outfield.

“He was happy with it, though. He is a mad Celtic fan so used to pretend to be Artur Boruc!”

Remarkably, the duo’s father, Donald, also played for the Scorries during a fine career in the Highland League and even had a trial with Hibernian.

He continued: “Our dad played for a few teams and even had a chance at Hibs. He went over for a trial and didn’t quite make the cut, but he still had a really good career in the north and there was definitely a feeling that he could have played at a higher level. But, with a job and family, it would have been too much to give up.

“He definitely knows his stuff and isn’t shy about passing that on to us. He comes to most of our games and has been a massive influence on our progress.”

McCarthy is under no illusions that he will need to turn in another virtuoso display at Forthbank if Wick are to overcome Stirling in today’s re-arranged third round clash – however he is adamant they can secure a famous victory.

He continued: “There’s no doubt I’ll need to have a good game, just like I did in the last round when I was able to make a couple of key saves.

“You can tell they are a good side but, at the same time, in the last couple of games they have shipped a few goals and – if they are a little off form and we are solid – then hopefully we can get through.”